Forward Logistics Research Articles

Designing green logistics networks under carbon tax policy: Post-COVID condition

This paper proposes a fuzzy-based method for estimating demand in forward and reverse logistics networks (F&RLNs) subject to carbon pricing in the post-COVID era. We investigate the complex relationships between carbon prices, the reverse logistics network (RLN), and the ever-changing product demand by utilizing fuzzy inference systems (FIS) capabilities. The case study from Mexico confirms the effectiveness of the proposed technique. The findings demonstrate the precision and predictive power of our proposed FIS-based method and show how well it can predict the number of items in demand and the number of goods that will be returned and subject to carbon taxation in the post-COVID era. The results illustrate the significant impact that carbon pricing has on the RLN and the associated product demand. For logistics managers seeking to make informed decisions about the establishment and operation of forward and RLNs within the carbon pricing paradigm, this empirical data provides insightful information in the post-COVID era.

ANALYSIS OF HANDLING REVERSE LOGISTICS (CASE STUDY OF WASHING MACHINE MEGAMOUTH SERIES AT PT. SHARP ELECTRONIC INDONESIA)

This journal is about reverse logistics at PT. Sharp Electronics Indonesia . Even it is not popular when compared to forward logistics. Reverse Logistics aims to save the value of the product so that it can be reused so that the goods should be discarded and do not have value to have a return value and can be resold so as to increase profits for the company. PT. Sharp Elektronics Indonesia is a company engaged in electronics, which is produced Refrigerator, washing machine, TV, etc. The main problem faced by PT. Sharp Electronics Indonesia is a Reverse Process Handling on washing machine products. Reverse logistics activities conducted at PT. Sharp Electronic Indonesia is Gatekeeping, Refurbish and Remanufacturing, Negotiation and Financial Management. To make the reverse activity more optimal, the researcher suggests the company to apply other policies besides those that have been applied, namely Compacting Disposition Cycle Time (CDCT) policy that is related to how to reduce the disposition process cycle and Asset Recovery policy in which the company resells goods suffered damage without any renewal process.

A responsive closed-loop supply chain network design under demand uncertainty

A closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) is important in developing a green industrial supply chain and a sustainable economy. This study addresses the challenge of designing a closed-loop supply chain network (CLSCN) under demand uncertainty by integrating forward and reverse logistics. A continuous approximation (CA) approach is proposed to solve a responsive CLSCN model. An inventory-sharing strategy is applied in the continuous approximation (CA) approach to further solve uncertain demand in a CLSCN. We conduct sensitivity analysis to demonstrate how the optimal design characteristics and the responsive supply chain network (SCN) design depend on various scenarios. A responsive CLSCN's network density is higher than a responsive SCN's. The changes in network density of the distribution center (DC) are not significantly affected by increased risks of uncertainties. The proposed model has demonstrated substantial cost savings compared to the traditional responsive CLSCN model.

Automation and digitalisation of transport forwarding services or logistics

With the spread of globalisation, the transition of various states to common standards, including in the field of international freight transportation, becomes especially relevant. The purpose of this work is to assess the effectiveness of logistics in examples of countries that are members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as the USA, to compare them and identify key trends in the development of the field of road freight transport. In this work, methods of statistical analysis and forecasting were applied, graphs of the logistics efficiency index of the countries studied were drawn up and the most promising international transport and logistics projects were identified. As a result, logistics performance indices were obtained in the context of indicators from 2007 to 2023, and the average Commonwealth indicator was determined and compared with a similar indicator of the USA. Also, key innovations in the field of transport services were considered, allowing Western companies to have a significant advantage in the development of logistics efficiency. The prospects of Commonwealth countries in the leading Eurasian transport corridors and the advantages of such integration in comparison with intra-union projects were determined.

Demographic, biochemical, clinical,and cognitivesymptomdifferences between smokersandnon-smokersin Chineseoldermale patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Several studies have suggested that smoking may impair cognitive function and worsen psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia, but the results have not been consistent. There have been few studies to date that have examined the effects of smoking in older men with chronic schizophrenia. The participants in our study consisted of 167 order Chinese males with chronic schizophrenia and 359 normal control subjects. We split them into smoking and non-smoking groups based on whether or not they smoked. Second, we compared their differences in terms of general demographic characteristics (such as age, education, body mass index, age of illness onset, and course of disease), disease information (such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia), lifestyle factors (such as physical exercise and lunch break), blood biochemical indicators (such as albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and fasting blood glucose), and medication usage (such as clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and chlorpromazine). Lastly, a neuropsychologicaltestbattery was used to assess their psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, for example, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess their overall cognitive functioning. Their depressive symptoms were assessed by the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Activities of daily living (ADL) were used to assess their ability to lead a daily life, while the positive and negative syndrome scales (PANSS) were used to assess their psychiatric symptoms. Smokers who develop schizophrenia at older ages had a higher body mass index than non-smokers. We also found that plasma albumin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher in smokers. In contrast, smokers with schizophrenia also had lower PANSS total scores, negative symptom scores, and general psychopathology scores. A forward stepwise binary logistics regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between negative symptom scores and smoking status (B = 0.112, p < 0.001, OR = 1.119, 95% confidence interval: 1.059-1.181). Correlation analysis was carried out and it was found that the amount of cigarette consumption per day had a negative correlation with plasma albumin level(r = -0.290, p = 0.004). However, no such association was found in normal controls. Elderly Chinese men with schizophrenia have a higher percentage of smokers, and although smoking can reduce their plasma albumin levels, it does contribute to the prevention of negative symptoms.

ON THE MODERN DEVELOPMENT OF FREIGHT SERVICES OF JSC «RUSSIAN RAILWAYS» WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE EAST SIBERIAN RAILWAY

In the current economic environment, in order to develop customer focus and improve the quality of freight transportation planning at JSC Russian Railways, the priority activity is the development of modern freight services to improve the quality of services provided to railway transport customers in order to simplify access to the services of the Russian Railways holding company in the field of freight transportation, customer-oriented approach, organization of freight forwarding services and logistics services on the «one-window» principle. Creating a single information space between participants in rail freight transportation and ensuring monitoring of the fulfillment of contractual obligations for the delivery of goods and carrying out mutual settlements online is one of the primary tasks of the joint-stock company.In a scientific article within the framework of the implementation of the state program «Digital Economy of Russia» at JSC Russian Railways, the author examines the issues of modern development of freight services at JSC Russian Railways to attract new customers and increase the loyalty of existing ones. The digital transformation strategy of JSC Russian Railways is the process of changing the industry’s activities in the digital economy. These changes consist of: searching and implementing innovations, expanding the range of services offered to the market and introducing digital products.

Integrated Forward and Reverse Cross-Docking with Vehicle Routing and Scheduling Under the Uncertainty of Inspection Results: A Genetic-Mathematic Algorithm

Despite the recognized advantages of cross-docking in forward logistics, very few studies have investigated reverse cross-docking, and these studies do not consider the operational uncertainties of returned products in the reverse flow, which is required in practice. This paper introduces a vehicle routing and scheduling problem for the integration of forward and reverse logistics, in which the cross-docking facility is employed as (i) the distribution center in forward flow and (ii) the collection and dispatching center of returned products in reverse flow. We present two modes based on the inspection point: (i) retailer site or (ii) cross-dock. A deterministic mixed integer linear programming model is presented for the retailer-site inspection mode to minimize the total operational costs. For the second mode, a robust optimization counterpart of the modified deterministic model is formulated to account for the uncertainties arising from the inspection results revealed at the cross-dock. A genetic-mathematic algorithm is proposed to solve the large-sized instances. Through numerical studies, we evaluated the performance of the algorithm and demonstrated cost reductions and truck utilization improvements as benefits of integration. Moreover, in sensitivity analyses using a quasi-real case of a personal electronic device supply chain, and employing simulation, the price of robustness of the second model was evaluated by considering various budget sets, which justified the full robustness and application of the cross-dock as the inspection point in the closed-loop supply chain.

Robust optimization of a closed-loop supply chain network based on an improved genetic algorithm in an uncertain environment

Aiming at the network structure design problems of facility location, path planning, and flow distribution in an e-commerce closed-loop supply chain network under an uncertain environment, the uncertainties of both the forward and reverse logistics demands and the impact of facility disruptions are analyzed. A robust optimization model is established using the robust peer-to-peer optimization method. An algorithm is designed that combines the minimum spanning tree algorithm with a two-layer adaptive genetic algorithm (Prim-DMGA) to solve the model. The results show that the Prim-DMGA not only requires less computation time, but also generates solutions of higher quality. In addition, the application of the robust optimization model reduces the adverse effects of uncertain factors on the e-commerce closed-loop supply chain network, thereby improving its robustness.

Investigating Challenges and Countermeasures in the Reverse Supply Chain of E-commerce Returns: Case Study of Jingdong Self-operated Mall

With the rapid development of e-commerce, online shopping has gradually become the mainstream method. At the same time, the return rate of commodities is also much higher than the traditional business model, and the reverse logistics problem of e-commerce has attracted much attention. This paper discusses the cost of reverse logistics in depth and extends to the general situation, taking Jingdong Self-operated Mall as an example. Reverse logistics is more expensive, more difficult and involves more complex factors than forward logistics, making it challenging to control costs while ensuring customer satisfaction. Several solutions to the cost problem of reverse logistics are currently available in the market, but they have certain limitations and drawbacks. This paper proposes some optimization strategies, including introducing self-mailing and self-pick-up, strengthening quality inspection mechanisms, setting up specialized commodity certification and secondary sales centers, and commissioning third-party reverse logistics to improve the efficiency of reverse logistics, reducing costs, minimizing losses and regulating order. It is also recommended that the fairness and reasonableness of the platform be maintained by strengthening the audit mechanism, adjusting the return and exchange policy and taking stringent measures against negative returns.

A simulated annealing with variable neighborhood descent approach for the heterogeneous fleet vehicle routing problem with multiple forward/reverse cross-docks

With a greater awareness of the challenges regarding environmental, societal, political, and economic factors, where reverse logistics has become a significant part of supply chain networks, this paper presents an integrated forward and reverse logistics network, named the Heterogeneous Fleet Vehicle Routing Problem with Multiple Forward/Reverse Cross-Docks (HF-VRPMFRCD). We consider a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles with different loading capacities and transportation costs. We also consider multiple cross-docks with two different operations: forward and reverse processes. The former focuses on delivering the demand from suppliers to customers, while the latter aims at returning unsold products from customers to suppliers. We propose a Simulated Annealing with Variable Neighborhood Descent (SAVND) algorithm for solving HF-VRPMFRCD, where Variable Neighborhood Descent (VND) is a local search heuristic embedded in the framework of Simulated Annealing (SA). SAVND outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm in solving the Heterogeneous Fleet Vehicle Routing Problem with Multiple Cross-Docks (HF-VRPMCD), where the VND heuristic significantly improves the quality of solutions. For HF-VRPMFRCD benchmark instances, SAVND provides optimal solutions for small-scale instances and better solutions than those of the GUROBI solver for remaining larger instances. Lastly, we present and discuss the benefits of integrating the forward and reverse processes.

Mathematical Model for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling with Forward and Reverse Logistics

Companies usually use cross-docking to reduce logistics costs. The product delivery process from suppliers to retailers and vice versa is facilitated by crossdocking facilities. One of important problem in crossdocking is vehicle routes. In this work we discuss about cross-docking problem for vehicle routes which is brought into the form of an integration model. We also present the strategy to handle the forward and reverse logistics. From this strategy we have a NP-hard mathematical model as the result.&#x0D;

A sustainable dynamic closed-loop supply chain network equilibrium for collectibles markets

In this paper, we present a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network equilibrium problem for collectible items in a time-dependent framework. In particular, we consider a network consisting of manufacturers, retailers, demand markets, and an online second-hand platform involved in forward and reverse logistics competition. Manufacturers as well as retailers try to control the amount of emissions generated in transaction processes. We analyze the optimal behaviors of all the decision-makers, and we give the governing closed-loop supply chain network equilibrium conditions. Then, we introduce the associated evolutionary variational inequality and the related infinite-dimensional projected dynamical system, which are convenient to solve such a problem. Finally, using a discrete-time approximation procedure, we solve a numerical example considering eBay as online platform.

Forward and reverse courier logistics distribution path planning based on multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm

In order to optimize the express logistics distribution path and improve the distribution efficiency, the multi-objective optimization model of express logistics distribution path with mixed time windows is proposed. The model takes into account the requirements of express substations for on-time arrival, express enterprises' control of logistics costs, quantifying customer satisfaction with on-time arrival rate, and constituting logistics costs with fixed costs and transportation costs. Based on the multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm, the Pareto solution set is obtained, and the optimal solution is selected by combining four evaluation methods. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated by applying the method to the case of a region in North China.

Forward and Reverse Logistics Network Design with Sustainability for New and Refurbished Products in E-commerce

Forward and Reverse Logistics Network Design with Sustainability for New and Refurbished Products in E-commerce

Sustainable forward-reverse logistics for multi-product delivery and pickup in B2C E-commerce towards the circular economy

The circular economy is an important part of sustainable business around the world. Accordingly, this study focuses on developing a sustainable framework for multi-echelon multiple electronics products' closed-loop supply chain in the e-commerce industry toward the circular economy. The proposed framework captures the complexities associated with forward and reverse logistics. The order is picked up from the supplier and delivered to the customer in the forward flow. Return products are picked up from customer locations and delivered to the inspection centre in the reverse flow. During the inspection process, products are classified into three categories: Reselling, Refurbishing, and Recycling (3R). The products that can be resold, refurbished, and recycled are then delivered to their respective final destinations, i.e., the supplier's warehouse, the refurbishing centre, and the recycling centre, respectively. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is developed to reduce total cost and maximize revenue associated with the forward and reverse flow of goods in a closed-loop supply chain while prioritising sustainability. To achieve this, a global solver in the LINGO 19 package software is used to solve and generate the exact solutions of the model. We have conducted 15 computational experiments for small-to-medium-to-large-sized problems to test the model. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to analyze the effect on total expected revenue from sustainable Closed-loop Supply Chain (CLSC) of variations in the major parameters of the model. Policymakers can use the obtained results and perform sensitivity analysis to make effective and efficient strategies favouring consumers and companies that could help enhance the country's economy. • Developed a sustainable multi-echelon forward and reverse logistics network design for an e-commerce platform. • Considered fresh product, returned resellable, refurbishable, and recyclable products for study. • Proposed MINLP model helps to maximize the total revenue with minimizing the transportation cost with carbon emission tax. • Sensitivity analysis is performed to see the effects in outcome with variations in main parameters of the model.

Multi-objective Intuitionistic Fuzzy Linear Programming model for optimization of industrial closed-loop supply chain network

The urge to remanufacture and address environmental concerns in various industrial processes has drawn the attention of academics as well as practitioners towards Closed-loop Supply Chain Networks (CLSC). Although everchanging and complex external factors including social and economic ones, adversely impact the sustainable development of closed-loop supply chain networks. The basic aim of the research is to optimize the functioning of CLSC networks. For the above-said, two objective functions are made. The first objective is to minimize the cost of production and assembly expenses of the forward and reverse logistics. Secondly, an endeavour has been made to reduce the fixed costs associated with plants and retailers. For the sake of achieving two objective functions, two methods are employed: triangular fuzzy numbers and triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. Among the two methods, triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers achieved the said objectives with greater optimization substantiated by statistics. This method can deal with uncertain external factors without undermining the optimization of the CLSC networks.

An economic production quantity model with refurbishment policy in dual-channel logistics

This work considers a dual logistics model with production and refurbishment simultaneously where the manufacturer accumulates all the return items in return inventory and sends it for refurbishment. The novelty of this work is in utilizing the strategy “buying green” and defining the demand function as dependent on selling price and environmental parameters. This study also examines whether the manufacturer works better as an original equipment manufacturer (forward logistics), as a manufacturer–refurbisher or as an independent refurbisher (reverse logistics) and analyses their effect on environment through carbon emission. Most of the reverse logistics model considers production inventory and refurbished/remanufactured inventory consecutively which is not realistic at all. The new item inventory is much more higher than the refurbished inventory because of the low acceptance rate of refurbished product. So, in this model, the return time of product is random. The aim of this work is to optimize the return time and how much return quantity can be accepted for a single time planning horizon. The findings of this work reveal that the total average cost is minimized with reverse logistics, and from the environmental perspective also, the models with reverse logistics are better than the forward logistics path only. Further, we have investigated the sensitivity analysis and shows that with high quality of production process, we can minimize the carbon emission up to a certain level and refurbishment is good only when refurbishment cost is smaller than the production cost. Finally, we carry out the graphical illustrations to justify our models.

Tax-subsidy or reward-penalty? Determining optimal strategy in sustainable closed-loop supply chain under quality-dependent return

In today's competitive business world, focusing solely on financial considerations can limit market demand in any industry. Keeping this in mind, this study deals with a sustainable closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) comprising an environmentally conscious manufacturer, a retailer, and a third-party collector (TPC) under the influence of government intervention. The manufacturer offers a return policy for the defective product up to a certain time, and the TPC offers an acquisition price to consumers for returning their used products. The government can offer no intervention or a tax-subsidy policy in the forward logistics, or a reward-penalty mechanism (RPM) in the reverse logistics, or both. Relying on different government policies, four models are developed first. After that, two collaborative models, viz. manufacturer-retailer collaboration and manufacturer-TPC collaboration, are developed for improving channel performance under the manufacturer-led Stackelberg gaming approach. Numerical results disclose that the government subsidy to consumers provides better functionality to channel individuals, consumers, and the environment. If the government considers imposing a tax, the RPM can help to improve channel execution marginally. A collaborative strategy between the manufacturer and the retailer under government taxation and RPM becomes the most efficient strategy for enhancing the triple bottom line of sustainability.

An enhanced PSO algorithm to configure a responsive-resilient supply chain network considering environmental issues: a case study of the oxygen concentrator device.

In recent years, the hyper-competitive marketplace has led to a drastic enhancement in the importance of the supply chain problem. Hence, the attention of managers and researchers has been attracted to one of the most crucial problems in the supply chain management area called the supply chain network design problem. In this regard, this research attempts to design an integrated forward and backward logistics network by proposing a multi-objective mathematical model. The suggested model aims at minimizing the environmental impacts and the costs while maximizing the resilience and responsiveness of the supply chain. Since uncertainty is a major issue in the supply chain problem, the present paper studies the research problem under the mixed uncertainty and utilizes the robust possibilistic stochastic method to cope with the uncertainty. On the other side, since configuring a supply chain is known as an NP-Hard problem, this research develops an enhanced particle swarm optimization algorithm to obtain optimal/near-optimal solutions in a reasonable time. Based on the achieved results, the developed algorithm can obtain high-quality solutions (i.e. solutions with zero or a very small gap from the optimal solution) in a reasonable amount of time. The achieved results demonstrate the negative impact of the enhancement of the demand on environmental damages and the total cost. Also, according to the outputs, by increasing the service level, the total cost and environmental impacts have increased by 41% and 10%, respectively. On the other hand, the results show that increasing the disrupted capacity parameters has led to a 17% increase in the total costs and a 7% increase in carbon emissions.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00521-022-07739-8.

Reverse Logistics Strategies and Their Effect on the Competitiveness of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Firms in South Africa

Background: The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of a country. This has therefore led to the growth in importance of reverse logistics (RL) since the FMCG sector cannot avoid RL. It is therefore important for the sector to implement RL strategies that can lead to firm competitiveness. Through the implementation of RL strategies, this sector will achieve many goals as well as lead to firm competitiveness. This study mainly sought to investigate RL strategies and their effect on firm competitiveness. Methods: A positivist research philosophy was employed. Data were collected through two close-ended questionnaires via SurveyMonkey from 418 FMCG retailers and consumers. This is because customers and employees are the greatest asset for any sector. Results: The descriptive results revealed the following RL strategies as the highly implemented ones among FMCG retailers: integration of forward logistics (FL) and RL, the implementation of new technology, the adherence to environmental policies and regulations, knowledge management, eco-compatibility and strategic alliances. The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that RL strategies have a positive and significant influence on firm competitiveness. Conclusion: The results offer insight into the RL strategies that must be carried out to achieve firm competitiveness.